Seating/storage add-on section with holster for shopping cart

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a seating/storage add-on section for use with a shopping cart, having a non-rigid connector for engaging the rear wheels of a shopping cart. In addition, the connector allows relative movement between the add-on section and an attached shopping cart. The shopping cart can be quickly attached to and detached from the add-on section without requiring tools.

[0001] Priority for this application is claimed from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/430,521 entitled “Seating/Storage Add-On Section withHolster for Shopping Cart” filed on Nov. 27, 2002

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention is directed to a seating/storage add-onsection having a non-rigid coupling means for attaching to a shoppingcart. The add-on section can be retrofitted to various sized shoppingcarts and provides additional seating and storage space on the cart. Thenon-rigid coupling means readily connects with a shopping cart andallows relative movement between the add-on section and the cart. Theadd-on section can be quickly and easily disconnected from an attachedshopping cart.

[0003] Conventional shopping carts generally comprise a basket on awheeled frame and a collapsible seat mounted in the basket. Suchcollapsible seats are intended to accommodate one small child, but for ashopper who has more than one child or whose child is too large to usethe collapsible seat, shopping is made more difficult.

[0004] Devices that provide additional seating for shopping carts havebeen developed to accommodate those shoppers whose seating requirementsexceed the limited capacity provided by a collapsible seat in aconventional cart. Some of these seating devices are integrally formedwith the shopping cart so that the cart and seating device cannot beseparated from each other. While such an integral device providesadditional cart seating for shoppers, the shopping cart can only be usedwith the seating device.

[0005] Other types of seating devices exist that can be releasablyattached to a shopping cart. Some of these devices can be retrofitted toan existing shopping cart to provide additional seating for children.However, installing such a device on a cart can require tools, skill andtime, so that it can be a frustrating and lengthy task. Removing thedevice from the cart can be equally frustrating for the same reasons.Once attached, the shopping cart is generally dedicated to exclusive usewith the seating device. This limits the versatility of the shoppingcart and can be a drawback when there may be a shortage of cartsavailable for shoppers not requiring the additional seating of thecombined unit.

[0006] In addition, the seating device and attached cart are usuallystored as a combined unit since the connection between the two cannot bereadily disengaged. A combined unit is unable to nest with other unitsas do conventional, unattached shopping carts. Each combined unitrequires the full length of the shopping cart and the attached seatingdevice for storage. Consequently, more space is required for storing thecombined units than would be needed for storing carts separately fromthe seating devices.

[0007] When the seating device and attached cart of the combined unitare rigidly connected to each other, the rigid connection detersrelative movement between the device and the cart. This is especiallydisadvantageous when the combined unit is used on uneven surfaces,including curbs, speed bumps and ramps. When crossing an uneven surface,one or more wheels of the seating device and/or cart can leave theground. The combined unit will remain rigid, thereby placing unduestress on the connector. This stress can loosen and/or damage theconnector which necessitates frequent inspection and maintenance of thecombined unit at an increased cost to the owner.

[0008] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a seating/storageadd-on section having a non-rigid coupling means that can be readilyattached and detached from a shopping cart so that the add-on sectioncan be quickly installed or removed when desired. The need also existsfor a non-rigid coupling means that allows for relative movement betweenthe add-on section and an attached shopping cart.

SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention is directed to a seating/storage add-onsection that can be readily attached and detached from a shopping cartand that allows relative movement between the add-on section and anattached shopping cart.

[0010] The add-on section comprises a base with a platform, a seatingassembly and non-rigid coupling means. The coupling means is a non-rigidconnector which comprises a holster formed by a pair of receptaclesdisposed on the front of the base. The connector enables the add-onsection to readily attach to and detach from a shopping cart. To attacha shopping cart, each of the rear wheels of the cart is lowered into arespective receptacle of the add-on section's connector and heldtherein. The combined unit, comprising the add-on section and anattached cart, can then be maneuvered via a handle on the add-onsection. To detach the shopping cart, the rear wheels of the cart arelifted out of the respective receptacles.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide aseating/storage add-on section that can be readily attached and detachedfrom a shopping cart.

[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aseating/storage add-on section for a shopping cart in which the add-onsection can move independently of the attached shopping cart.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aseating/storage add-on section with a non-rigid coupling means thatallows movement between the add-on section and the attached shoppingcart.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aseating/storage add-on section having a connector that engages the rearwheels of a shopping cart.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aseating/storage add-on section with a holster that receives and holdsthe rear wheels of a shopping cart thereby attaching the cart to theadd-on section.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aseating/storage add-on section with a connector that can be engaged anddisengaged without the use of tools.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aseating/storage add-on section that can be readily detached from ashopping cart for easier storage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which are shownillustrative embodiments of the invention and from which novel featuresand advantages will be apparent.

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective side view of a preferred embodiment of theseating/storage add-on section of the present invention attached to ashopping cart.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of the seating/storage add-onsection of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a partial view of the add-on section of FIG. 1 showingthe brake mechanism and a portion of the frame.

[0022]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the seating assembly of the add-onsection of FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view showing a first preferredembodiment of one of the receptacles on the seating/storage add-onsection of FIG. 1 holding a shopping cart wheel.

[0024]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the seating/storage add-on sectionof FIG. 1 and a shopping cart having its rear wheels positioned abovethe holster.

[0025]FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view showing a second preferredembodiment of one of the receptacles of the seating/storage add-onsection of FIG. 1 holding a shopping cart wheel.

[0026]FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the add-on section of FIG.1 showing one of the adjustable arms and one of the receptaclescomprising the coupling means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring to the drawings wherein like characters designatecorresponding parts throughout the views and referring particularly toFIG. 1, there is shown the seating/storage add-on section 1 of thepresent invention with an attached shopping cart 100. When attached toeach other, the add-on section 1 and the shopping cart 100 form acombined unit 200.

[0028] The seating/storage add-on section 1 of the present invention canbe used with a conventional push-type shopping cart 100 used by shoppersto hold selected items for purchase. Generally, a conventional shoppingcart 100 includes a receptacle, such as a basket 101, supported on awheeled base 102. The wheeled base 102 typically includes a cart frame103 with two front wheels 104 and two rear wheels 105. The front 104 andrear 105 wheels are attached to respective front and rear ends of theframe 103.

[0029] The seating/storage add-on section 1 comprises a seating assembly2 and a base 3 supported by a plurality of wheels. The add-on section 1also includes a non-rigid coupling means for holding the rear wheels 105of a shopping cart 100 and thereby form a non-rigid connection with thecart 100.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the coupling means is a non-rigidconnector 4 comprising a holster 27. The holster 27 includes first 28and second 29 receptacles attached to the frame 7 by receptacleadjusting means. The receptacle adjusting means includes first 17 andsecond 18 adjustable arms. Each of the first 17 and second 18 adjustablearms comprise an inner 20 a and outer 20 b telescoping member held inselected adjustable positions by a locking element 21. Although each ofthe adjustable arms 17 comprise telescoping members 20 a, 20 b, othersuitable adjusting devices could be used instead.

[0031] The first 28 and second 29 receptacles are mirror images of eachother. Each receptacle 28,29 has side walls 30, a bottom wall 31 and atop opening 32 as shown in FIG. 5. An interior region 33 is bounded bythe side 30 and bottom 31 walls of each respective receptacle 28,29.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the base 3 of the seating/storage add-onsection 1 has front 5 and rear 6 portions. The base 3 further comprisesa frame 7 and a platform 8 which is mounted on the frame 7. The platform8 is characterized by an upper surface 9. A leg room area 37 is locatedabove the upper surface 9 of the platform 8. The plurality of wheels ofthe add-on section 1 includes two front casters 10 and two rearswivelable casters 11.

[0033] The base 3 includes a brake mechanism 12. As shown in FIG. 3, thebrake mechanism 12 comprises a brake pad 13 and a foot actuator 14. Bymanipulating the foot actuator 14 a user can engage or disengage thebrake pad 13 to alternate the brake mechanism 12 between a lockedposition and an unlocked position. When the brake mechanism 12 is in thelocked position, the brake pad 13 is engaged with the floor, and therear casters 11 are disengaged or lifted from the floor to determovement of the seating/storage add-on section 1. Conversely, when thebrake mechanism 12 is in the unlocked position, the brake pad 13 isdisengaged from the floor and the front 10 and rear 11 casters engagethe floor, thereby allowing movement of the add-on section 1.

[0034] The seating assembly 2 shown in FIG. 4 includes a seat support 15and a seat portion 16. The seat portion 16 can accommodate one or morepassengers in a seated position. A pair of arm rests 39 are included onthe seat portion 16 and a handle 19 is mounted on the back of the seatportion 16.

[0035] The seat support 15 is formed by a plurality of tubular legs 22with struts. The seat portion 16 is comprised of a plurality of tubularelements 23 and a plurality of slats 24. The slats 24 form the generallyhorizontal and the upwardly angled supporting surfaces of the seatportion 16.

[0036] The holster 27 is generally shaped to hold the rear wheels 105 ofa shopping cart 100. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, the bottomwall 31 of each receptacle 28,29 has a generally V-shaped cross sectioncomprised of first 34 and second 35 surfaces. The first 34 and second 35surfaces are angularly disposed to one another, so that a wheel restingin a respective receptacle 28,29 will contact at least two points A, Bon the bottom wall 31. Point A is on the first surface 34 of the bottomwall 31 and point B is on the second surface 35. It should be understoodthat although only one of the receptacles 28,29 comprised by the holster27 is shown in FIG. 5, the other receptacle (not shown) is a mirrorimage thereof.

[0037] In another preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, each of thefirst and second receptacles 128,129 have sidewalls 130 and a bottomwall 131. The bottom wall 131 has a curvilinear surface 134 whichcradles the rear wheel 105 of an attached shopping cart 100. The closerthe shape of the curvilinear surface 134 is to the circumferential shapeof the cart's rear wheel 105, the larger the surface contact area isbetween the bottom wall 131 and the surface of the rear wheel 105 heldthereby.

[0038] In FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the frame 7 and platform 8 of the base 3,the seat support 15, handle 19, arm rests 39, tubular elements 23 of theseat portion 16, and the holster 27 are preferably made of steel, whilethe slats 24 on the seat portion 16 are plastic. It should beappreciated that the elements comprising the seating/storage add-onsection 1 are not limited to the materials disclosed herein, but couldbe made of other suitable materials having the requisite durability andstrength. Suitable materials could include wood, high strength plastics,aluminum and/or other metals.

[0039] The seating/storage add-on section 1 provides additional seatingand storage space for a shopping cart 100. The non-rigid connector 4releasably secures the shopping cart 100 to the seating/storage add-onsection 1 by holding the cart's rear wheels 105 above the floor or othersupporting surface. In addition, the cart 100 (with the generalexception of its rear wheels) and the add-on section 1 can move relativeto each other when attached by the non-rigid connector 4.

[0040] When the add-on section 1 is attached to a shopping cart 100 eachof the first 28 and second 29 receptacles of the holster 27 holds arespective rear wheel 105 of a shopping cart 100 within its interiorregion 33. The bottom wall 31 of each receptacle 28,29 of FIG. 5 bearsweight of the shopping cart's rear end. Disposed angularly to oneanother, the first 34 and second 35 surfaces provide a two point contactat points A and B on the bottom wall 31 for supporting a respective rearwheel 105. The two point contact steadies the rear wheel 105 andinhibits back and forth or rolling movement of the wheel 105 within thereceptacle 28,29. The side walls 30 of each receptacle 28,29 also limitthe back and forth movement of the cart wheels 105 when they arepositioned within the holster 27.

[0041] Although some of the side walls 30 of the receptacles 28,29 haveopenings adjacent the bottom wall 31, the openings can be omitted sothat the side walls 30 extend completely to bottom wall 31, if desired.At least one aperture 36 is disposed in the bottom wall 31 of eachreceptacle 28,29 to allow drainage from the interior region 33.

[0042] With front 10 and rear 11 casters supporting the respective front5 and rear 6 portions of its base 3, the add-on section 1 can be easilymaneuvered both by itself and with a shopping cart 100.

[0043] The platform 8 acts as a step for passengers entering or exitingthe add-on section 1. For passengers seated on the add-on section 1, theplatform serves as a foot rest. The location above the platform 8 andbehind the shopping cart 100 of the combined unit 200 comprises the legroom area 37, an area in which seated passengers can comfortablyposition their legs.

[0044] The add-on section 1 can hold at least one adult or two childrenseated. Referring to FIG. 4, seat belts 38 on the seating assembly 2secure the passenger(s) on the seat portion 16. The arm rests 39 add tothe passenger's comfort and provide assistance for passengers enteringand exiting the add-on section 1. The arm rests 39 also help to retainseated passengers on the seating assembly 2. The handle 19 on the backof the seating assembly 2 is for maneuvering the seating/storage add-onsection 1 both alone and with the combined unit 200.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the slats 24 of the seating assembly 2are disposed in an open construction arrangement. The open constructionarrangement is characterized by spaces between the slats 24. The spacesallow bits of debris to fall through the seat portion 16, therebyhindering the collection of debris on the seat portion 16. The plasticcomposition, along with the open construction arrangement of the slats24, facilitates cleaning of the seat portion 16.

[0046] The holster 27 can be adjusted by varying the distance betweenthe receptacles 28,29 on the add-on section 1. This allows the connector4 to attach to shopping carts having differently sized wheel bases. Theadjustable arms 17,18 are disposed on opposite sides of the platform 8.To vary the distance between the receptacles 28,29 the effective lengthof each adjustable arm 17,18 is changed. The locking element 21 securesthe telescoping members 20 a,20 b of the adjustable arms 17,18 againstrelative movement. When the locking element 21 is released, thetelescoping members 20 a,20 b can slide relative to each other to adjustthe arm's effective length.

[0047] Therefore, by releasing the locking element 21 and sliding theinner telescoping member 20 a along the adjoining outer telescoping 20b, the distance between the receptacles 28,29 can be varied to fitvarious shopping carts. Although the adjustable arms 17,18 are shown tocomprise telescoping members 20 a,20 b, other suitable adjustment meanscould be used instead.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the locking elements 21 comprise setscrews. Although set screws are disclosed herein as locking elements 21to secure the telescoping members 20 a, 20 b against relative movement,other suitable locking elements such as lock collars or detents could beused instead.

[0049] Each top opening 32 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 provides access tothe interior region 33 of each respective receptacle 28,29. Whenattaching a shopping cart 100 to the add-on section 1, the rear wheels105 of the cart 100 can be readily placed into the interior region 33 ofthe respective receptacle 28,29 via the top opening 32.

[0050] Preferably, the rear wheels 105 of the cart 100 are placed in theholster 27 by positioning the cart's rear end over the front portion 5of the add-on section and then lowering the wheels 105 into respectivefirst 28 and second 29 receptacles. Each rear wheel 105 is loweredthrough a respective top opening 32 and into the interior region 33until the wheel 105 rests on the bottom wall 31 of the receptacle 28,29.

[0051] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, each rear wheel 105 of thecart 100 contacts the bottom wall 31 of the receptacle 28,29 on at leasttwo points, A and B. The downward force component of the cart's weightkeeps the cart's wheels 105 in contact with the bottom wall 31. However,the rear wheels 105 can be freely lifted out of their respectivereceptacles 28,29 when desired.

[0052] The seating assembly 2 is positioned on the rear portion 6 of theadd-on section's base 3. The tubular legs 22 support the seat portion16. A storage area 40 is located beneath the seat portion 16 of theseating assembly 2 and above the rear portion 6 of the platform 8. Thespacing between the tubular legs 22 allows access to the storage area40.

[0053] On the holster 27, the side walls 30 generally extend upwardlyfrom the respective bottom wall 31 of each receptacle 28,29. Each of theinterior regions 33 is sized to receive the rear wheel 105 of a shoppingcart therein. The two opposing longitudinal side walls 30 of eachreceptacle 28,29 are at least greater in length than the diameter of thecart's rear wheels 105. The two other side walls 30 of the receptacle28,29 are at least greater in length than the width of the rear wheel105.

[0054] Furthermore, the bottom wall 31 of each receptacle 28,29 has atleast two planar surfaces that are disposed at an angle to one anotherso that a cross section of the bottom wall 31 is generally V-shaped. Theangle formed by the first 34 and second 35 surfaces is an obtuse angle,although the magnitude of the angle could be varied if desired.

[0055] In the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the holster 27 isattached to the platform 8. The first 28 and second 29 receptacles ofthe holster 27 are on respective left and right sides of the frontportion 5 adjacent to a respective front caster 10. Each receptacle28,29 is attached along one of its side walls 30 to a respectiveadjustable arm 17,18. Each receptacle 28,29 can be adjusted to selectedpositions spaced from the platform 8 by varying the length of theattached adjustable arm 17,18. With each receptacle 28,29 of the holster27 adapted to hold one of the cart's rear wheels 105, the receptacles28,29 can be adjusted to accommodate the distance between the cart'srear wheels 105.

[0056] In the combined unit 200, the rear end of the cart 100 isadjacent to the front portion 5 of the add-on section 1. The leadingedge of the leg room area 37 is bounded by the rear end of the cart 100.

[0057] The brake mechanism 12 is mounted on the base 3 of the add-onsection 1 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Preferably, the brake mechanism 12is positioned between the rear swivelable casters 11 and within easyaccess of a user standing adjacent the rear portion 6 of the add-onsection 1.

[0058] The rear swivelable casters 11 of the add-on section 1 aremounted on the rear portion 6 of the base 3, while the front casters 10are mounted on the front portion 5 thereof.

[0059] In a preferred use, the coupling means is adjusted to fit theshopping cart 100, if necessary. The seating/storage add-on section 1 isattached to a shopping cart 100 via the coupling means. Passengersand/or items are loaded onto the add-on section 1 and the combined unit200 is maneuvered as desired. However, the add-on section could beloaded before attaching the shopping cart.

[0060] To adjust the non-rigid connector 4 to fit a particular shoppingcart's wheel base, the locking element 21 on one or both of thetelescoping members 20 a,20 b is released, thereby allowing thetelescoping members 20 a,20 b to move with respect to each other. As thecooperating telescoping members 20 a,20 b slide with respect to eachother, the effective length of the respective adjustable arm 17,18 isvaried and the distance between the receptacles 28,29 changes. Using thedistance between the rear wheels 105 of the shopping cart 100 as ameasurement guide, the receptacles 28,29 are moved the desired distanceapart and the locking element 21 is engaged to secure the adjustablearms 17,18 and the receptacles 28,29 in position.

[0061] To connect, the cart 100 and add-on section 1 are aligned so thatthe rear of the shopping cart 100 is positioned adjacent to the frontportion 5 of the add-on section 1 as shown in FIG. 6. Respective leftand right rear wheels 105 are adjacent to the first 28 and second 29receptacles. The rear end of the shopping cart 100 is lifted so that therear wheels 105 are above the side walls 30 of the receptacles 28,29.Next, the first receptacle 28 is vertically aligned with the left rearwheel 105 of the cart 100 and the second receptacle 29 is verticallyaligned with the right rear wheel 105 by moving the rear end of the cart100 over the front portion 5 of the add-on section 1 or by alternatelymoving the add-on section's front portion 5 underneath the shopping cart100.

[0062] With the cart's wheels 105 and receptacles 28,29 aligned thusly,the rear end of the shopping cart 100 is lowered until the left andright rear wheels 105 are positioned in the respective first 28 andsecond 29 receptacles of the holster 27 and are resting on the bottomwalls 31 of the respective receptacles 28,29. Grasping the handle 19 ofthe add-on section 1, a user can push and maneuver the combined unit 200as desired.

[0063] To detach the add-on section 1 from the shopping cart 100, therear wheels 105 are lifted up above the side walls 30 and moved awayfrom the receptacles 28,29. The unattached seating/storage add-onsection 1 is fully supported by its front 10 and rear 11 casters.Therefore, when unattached to a cart 100, the add-on section 1 can beeasily rolled about. The add-on section 1 can also remain loaded whilethe cart 100 is attached and detached therefrom.

[0064] As a combined unit 200, the add-on section 1 and shopping cart100 can move relative to one another. The rear wheels 105 of theattached shopping cart 100 remain relatively stationary within in theholster 27, while the rest of the cart 100 is allowed to move. With therear wheels 105 held in the holster 27, the rest of the cart 100 canpivot about the horizontal axis 108 of the rear wheels 105. Due to thisrelative movement between the shopping cart 100 and the add-on section1, the combined unit 200 can move smoothly over uneven terrain withoutundue stress being placed on the coupling means.

[0065] The seating/storage add-on section of the present invention whichprovides additional seating and storage for a shopper can be readilyattached and detached from a shopping cart. Consequently, it is notrequired to dedicate a shopping cart for exclusive use with the add-onsection. The cart and add-on section can be quickly separated if theadd-on section is not needed with the shopping cart. The shopping cartcan also be readily detached if exclusive use of the seating/storageadd-on section is desired.

[0066] With the add-on section and cart being readily separable, theseating/storage add-on section can be stored separately from the cart,thereby reducing the amount of storage area required for shopping carts.

[0067] The holster is a non-rigid coupling means that enables anattached shopping cart to move independently of the add-on section.Allowing for this relative movement to occur accommodates unevenness inthe terrain and lessens the stress on the connector, without comprisingmaneuverability of the combined unit. With less stress on the connector,the usable life of the add-on section is extended.

[0068] Although the present invention has been described in considerabledetail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, otherversions are possible.

1. A seating/storage add-on section comprising: a base having front andrear portions; a plurality of wheels supporting the base; a seatingassembly mounted on said base; and coupling means for releasably holdingat least one wheel of a shopping cart.
 2. The seating/storage add-onsection of claim 1, wherein said coupling means comprises a non-rigidconnector.
 3. The seating/storage add-on section of claim 1, whereinsaid coupling means is an adjustable holster.
 4. The seating/storageadd-on section of claim 1, wherein said coupling means comprises atleast one receptacle.
 5. The seating/storage add-on section of claim 1,wherein said at least one wheel of the shopping cart includes two wheelsof the shopping cart, and said coupling means comprises first and secondreceptacles.
 6. The seating/storage add-on section of claim 5, whereinsaid coupling means further comprises receptacle adjusting means forselectively adjusting the distance between said first and secondreceptacles.
 7. The seating/storage add-on section of claim 6, whereinsaid receptacle adjusting means comprises first and second adjustablearms; and each of said adjustable arms includes inner and outertelescoping elements.
 8. The seating/storage add-on section of claim 5,wherein each of said first and second receptacles comprises side walls,a bottom wall, and an interior region defined by said side and bottomwalls; said bottom wall having first and second generally planarsurfaces adjacent to said interior region; and said first and secondsurfaces disposed at an obtuse angle.
 9. The seating/storage add-onsection of claim 8, wherein a respective wheel of the shopping cartresting on the bottom wall in each of the first and second receptaclescontacts at least one point on the first surface and at least one pointon the second surface of the bottom wall.
 10. The seating/storage add-onsection of claim 5, wherein each of said first and second receptaclescomprises side walls, a bottom wall, and an interior region defined bysaid side and bottom walls; and said bottom wall is curvilinear.
 11. Aseating/storage add-on section for use with a shopping cart having aframe supported by a plurality of cart wheels and a cart receptaclemounted on the frame, the seating/storage add-on section comprising: abase having front and rear portions; a plurality of wheels supportingthe base; a seating assembly mounted on said base; and a non-rigidcoupling means for engaging a shopping cart that allows relativemovement between the add-on section and the frame of the shopping cart.12. The seating/storage add-on section of claim 11, wherein saidnon-rigid coupling means comprises an adjustable holster.
 13. Theseating/storage add-on section of claim 11, wherein said non-rigidcoupling means comprises at least one receptacle.
 14. Theseating/storage add-on section of claim 11, wherein said non-rigidcoupling means comprises a connector for engaging the cart wheels. 15.The seating/storage add-on section of claim 11, wherein said non-rigidcoupling means comprises first and second receptacles.
 16. Theseating/storage add-on section of claim 15, wherein said non-rigidcoupling means further comprises a receptacle adjusting means forselectively adjusting a distance between the first and secondreceptacles.
 17. The seating/storage add-on section of claim 16, whereinsaid receptacle adjusting means comprises first and second adjustablearms and, each of said first and second adjustable arms includes innerand outer telescoping elements.
 18. The seating/storage add-on sectionof claim 15, wherein each of said first and second receptacles comprisesside walls, a bottom wall, and an interior region defined by said sideand bottom walls; said bottom wall having first and second generallyplanar surfaces adjacent to said interior region; and said first andsecond surfaces disposed at an obtuse angle to each other.
 19. Theseating storage add-on section of claim 18, wherein a respective cartwheel resting on the bottom wall in each of the first and secondreceptacles contacts at least one point on the first surface and atleast one point on the second surface of the respective bottom wall. 20.The seating/storage add-on section of claim 15, wherein each of saidfirst and second receptacles comprises side walls, a bottom wall, and aninterior region defined by said side and bottom walls; and said bottomwall is curvilinear.
 21. A seating/storage add-on section for use with ashopping cart having a frame supported by a plurality of cart wheels anda receptacle mounted on the frame, said seating/storage add-on sectioncomprising: a base having front and rear portions; a plurality of wheelssupporting the base; a seating assembly mounted on said base; and anon-rigid connector for engaging the wheels of the shopping cart. 22.The seating/storage add-on section of claim 21, wherein said non-rigidconnector comprises an adjustable holster.
 23. The seating/storageadd-on section of claim 21, wherein said non-rigid connector comprisesfirst and second receptacles and receptacle adjusting means.
 24. Theseating/storage add-on section of claim 23, wherein said receptacleadjusting means comprises first and second adjustable arms attachingsaid respective first and second receptacles to the base, such that saidfirst receptacle is disposed on one side of the base and said secondreceptacle is disposed on said opposite side of the base; and each ofsaid first and second adjustable arms includes inner and outertelescoping elements.
 25. The seating/storage add-on section of claim23, wherein each of said first and second receptacles comprises sidewalls, a bottom wall, and an interior region defined by said side andbottom walls; said bottom wall having first and second generally planarsurfaces adjacent to said interior region; said first and secondsurfaces disposed at an obtuse angle to each other.
 26. Theseating/storage add-on section of claim 25, wherein a respective cartwheel resting on the bottom wall in each of the first and secondreceptacles contacts at least one point on the first surface and atleast one point on the second surface.
 27. The seating/storage add-onsection of claim 24, wherein each of said first and second receptaclescomprises side walls, a bottom wall, and an interior region defined bysaid side and bottom walls; and said bottom wall is curvilinear.
 28. Aseating/storage add-on section for use with a shopping cart, wherein theshopping cart includes a receptacle mounted on a cart frame, and aplurality of cart wheels which includes a pair of rear wheels supportingthe cart frame, the seating/storage add-on section comprising: a basehaving a front portion and a rear portion; a plurality of wheelssupporting the base; a seating assembly on said base; and a non-rigidconnector for releasably holding the rear wheels of the shopping cart,wherein said non-rigid connector is disposed on the front portion ofsaid base; a brake mechanism comprising a brake pad and a foot actuator,said brake mechanism further comprising locked and unlocked positions; astorage area; and a passenger leg room area; said base includes a frameand platform, wherein said platform is mounted on the frame at the frontportion of the base; and said storage area is located on the rearportion of the base frame; said seating assembly comprises a seatsupport, a seating portion and a handle; said non-rigid connectorcomprising first and second receptacles and receptacle adjusting meansfor selectively adjusting the distance between the first and secondreceptacles; each of said first and second receptacles comprises sidewalls, a bottom wall, an interior region and an open end, said sidewalls extend generally upwardly from said bottom wall to define theinterior region; said receptacle adjusting means comprises first andsecond adjustable arms, wherein one end of said first arm is attached tosaid first receptacle and an opposite end of said first arm is attachedto a left side of said platform; one end of said second arm is attachedto said second receptacle and an opposite end of said second arm isattached to a right side of said platform such that each of said firstand second receptacles are respectively disposed on left and right sidesof said base; each of said first and second adjustable arms comprisesinner and outer telescoping members and a set screw to lock the innerand outer telescoping members in selective engagement; said plurality ofwheels includes a pair of rear swivelable casters attached to the rearportion of the base and a pair of front casters attached to the frontportion of the base; said platform is disposed on said frame and has anupper surface that is generally planar; said leg room area is disposedabove the platform between the seat base and the non-rigid connector;said seat support comprises a plurality of tubular legs that extendupwardly from the rear portion of the base; said handle is attached tosaid seat portion and is adapted for gripping by a user; wherein toattach the shopping cart to the add-on section each rear wheel of theshopping cart is placed in a respective first and second receptacle withthe rear end of the shopping cart being adjacent to the front portion ofthe base; when attached the add-on section and shopping cart aremaneuvered by the handle, wherein the frame and receptacle of theshopping cart can move independently of said add-on section; and whereinto detach the shopping cart from the add-on section, the rear wheels ofthe shopping cart are removed from the respective first and secondreceptacles.
 29. The seating/storage add-on section of claim 28, whereineach of said bottom walls comprises first and second surfaces adjacentto the interior region, said first and second surfaces are generallyplanar and said first surface is disposed at an obtuse angle to saidsecond surface, such that a cart wheel resting on the bottom wallcontacts at least one point on said first surface and at least one pointon said second surface.
 30. The seating/storage add-on section of claim28, wherein each of said bottom walls is curvilinear.